We’ve all experienced times of trouble—adversity, affliction, and anxiety. We know the torment of being in distress. It causes feelings ranging from fear and isolation to anger, causing us to lash out somehow.
You may wonder where God is when you feel swallowed by anxiety, like Jonah inside the whale. Many people wonder why God doesn’t do something about all the evil and disaster swirling around the world.
We all wonder about this.
Trouble comes in many forms. It’s felt both internally and externally. Some troubles are easier to resolve than others. Of course, pop psychology tells us not to worry about what we can’t control, but we do.
We worry about the economy, the environment, and climate change, and fret over national and international violence. But really, what can we do about such things? Millions of people have turned to Psalm 46 for reassurance and comfort for centuries.
Psalm 46 answers the question of what we can do when swallowed up in trouble. The answer is both simple and profound. The psalmist gives three assurances to those who trust in God in the face of what is beyond their control.
The psalmist punctuates each assurance with a Selah. This is a term often found in the psalms. Selah has no specific meaning but suggests the reader (or hearer) pause and reflect on what precedes it.
Our First Assurance
One thing we don’t do is hide our heads in the sand. We trust in God as our refuge—our shelter in times of trouble. He is our strength, the one who watches over us. Note the confidence of the psalmist:
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (Psalm 46:1–3)
We do not need to fear as others do.
I often go down to the ocean to watch the waves break and roll into the shore, even when it’s stormy. I’ll step barefoot into the edge of the water and watch as the water flows around my feet.
I sense God’s presence and peace through the power of the ocean. He is my refuge and strength. He washes away all my worries when I trust in Him.
Our Second Assurance
The second assurance gives us an image of a river that brings joy flowing through the city of God. A river bringing joy to the people of God. We find a similar image in the books of Ezekiel and Revelation (Ezekiel 47:1–12; Revelation 22:1–6, ESV).
The presence of God will sustain us and fill us with joy like a mighty river, even when turmoil surrounds us. Once again, we’re reminded of God’s presence and power. Selah!
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46: 4–7)
Let God’s river of joy flow through your heart and mind!
Our Third Assurance
The third assurance includes two exhortations directed to all people (all nations):
Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46:8-11)
The first exhortation is an invitation to remember God’s sovereign power. The second one tells us to “be still.” Another Bible version I like puts it this way—
Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10 GW)
When we surrender ourselves to the Lord, including our troubles—whatever they are and how many they are—we are reminded He is God. We’re exhorted to be silent—still—and realize or remember that God is sovereign over all. His presence brings peace even in a time of war, or when thoughts and feelings battle within us.
This exhortation is first directed to those who trust in Yahweh (the LORD, the God of Jacob). It was a reminder to God’s people (Israel) to remember who He is and what He’s done for them as a nation throughout their history.
However, this exhortation can also be an exhortative warning to “the nations,” to all other peoples in the world. The Lord can be known through His creation, and we—His people—are to make Him known through our lives lived out for Him.
When others see God’s peace calming us, strengthening us when going through troubles and or surrounded by turmoil, then we can share with them why we have this peace. We can share about our relationship with the Lord and these three great assurances.
When you’re swallowed up in troubles, regardless of what they are, remember these three great assurances:
- Do not fear like those who don’t trust in God.God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
- Trust God to flow through your life to bring joy in the midst of trouble. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God… (Psalm 46:4)
- Let go of your troubles—still your heart and mind to know God’s presence and peace.Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10 GW)
What’s your experience with God granting you peace in times of trouble?
Trip planted a church in the US and established two ministries overseas, along with many other ministry experiences. His ministry now focuses on discipleship and leadership development, while serving as a mentor to pastors and leaders with Poimen Ministries. Along with writing devotionals and simple Bible studies, he’s written books, Bible study guides, and training materials. Trip’s material can also be found at
@tkbeyond (on X)
@tripkimball (on https://substack.com/)
Thanks Trip. I got great encouragement from this .
I think it’s time I memorize psalm 46
I’m blessed to hear that, Thom! It’s a sweet yet powerful psalm.